Gansbaai: Walker Bay sea safari with local guide & boat

Chasing Walker Bay’s marine Big 5 by boat from Gansbaai

You’ll set out from Gansbaai by boat into Walker Bay with a local guide, searching for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and marine birds. Listen to stories from your skipper as you watch wildlife along dramatic cliffs and beaches. With salty air in your hair and surprises around every corner, this is one of those sea safaris you’ll remember long after the spray dries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Big 5 Sea Safari in Walker Bay

• 2 Hour Big 5 Sea Safari targeting marine wildlife
• Depart from Gansbaai harbor
• Cruise past De Kelders and De Platt Beach cliffs
• Observe coastline and beaches from Gansbaai to Hermanus
• Head into middle of Walker Bay searching for Big 5
• Learn about marine life from marine biologist and skipper

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the salty wind, not harsh, but enough to wake you up as we left the Gansbaai harbor. Our guide, Pieter, waved at a fisherman untangling nets nearby (they all seem to know each other here), then pointed out the cliffs of De Kelders. The water had that weird chameleon color (blue one minute, greenish the next), and honestly, I kept squinting at every splash thinking it might be a dolphin. It wasn’t yet. But you get this feeling anything could pop up at any second.

Pieter started telling us about Walker Bay’s “Big 5”: whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and these wild-looking marine birds whose names I can’t pronounce (he tried to teach me, I gave up after two). There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for the engine hum and some gulls overhead. Just waiting. Then someone shouted “there!” and sure enough, a whale’s back broke the surface way off in the distance. Not close enough for a perfect photo (I tried anyway), but close enough that you could hear people exhale all at once.

I didn’t expect how much I’d enjoy watching the seals lolling around on De Platt Beach. They looked like they were sunbathing on purpose. And then there were penguins waddling along rocks like tiny old men in tuxedos. Pieter laughed when my friend called them “little bosses.” The whole time he kept sharing stories about growing up here and what changes he’s seen in the bay over the years. It made everything feel more real somehow.

The trip lasted about two hours but felt both longer and shorter than that (time does something strange out there). We didn’t see every single animal up close, no guarantees with nature, but honestly? That made it better. There’s something about not knowing what you’ll spot next that sticks with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s included

• Your experience includes a guided boat ride led by an expert skipper and marine biologist through Walker Bay departing from Gansbaai harbor. All guidance is provided throughout the journey.
• infants can use specialized seats if needed.
• accessibility is ensured for wheelchairs and strollers so everyone can join comfortably.

Options for this experience

4 options

Big 5 Sea Safari at 10:00 amGuide in English · Available from 2 Dec · 10:00A 2-hour Big 5 Walker Bay sea safari, where we aim to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds. Departures run at 10 am and 1 pm, depending on weather and number of passengers. Minimum 8, maximum 25 passengers.

Big 5 Sea Safari at 1:00 pmGuide in English · Available from 2 Dec · 13:00A 2-hour Big 5 Walker Bay sea safari, where we aim to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds. Departures run at 10 am and 1 pm, depending on weather and number of passengers. Minimum 8, maximum 25 passengers.

Sunset Big 5 Sea SafariGuide in English · Available from 2 Dec · 15:30A 2-hour Big 5 Walker Bay sea safari in which we target whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds. Sunset departure times shift with the sun, so please check the launch time.

Full-Day Cape Town to Gansbaai TourGuide in English · Available from 21 Dec · 07:00Make the most of the scenic 2-hour drive from Cape Town by upgrading to a full-day tour. A qualified tour guide collects you and you explore the beautiful coastline between Cape Town and Gansbaai. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Eubalaena Sea Safaris CC - Trading as Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Walker Bay sea safari from Gansbaai?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from departure to return.

What animals might I see on this sea safari?

You may spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and various marine birds during the trip.

Is there a local guide or expert on board?

Yes, trips include an experienced skipper and a qualified marine biologist as guides.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What should I bring for the sea safari?

You should bring warm clothes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera or video camera, and binoculars if possible.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from Gansbaai harbor along Walker Bay’s coast.